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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 9, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
How's my little hon to-day. I hope you are feeling O.K., but I can't help wondering and worrying about you. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you darling, so please be good to me and take care of yourself for JCW.
We're listening to Bob Hope on the radio. His guest star is Frank Sinatra. You know how they are always making jokes about his thinness and supposed frailty. Well, he used to be a fighter's manager and sparred himself in Stillman's Gym in New York. One of the patients here knows him personally and said he can take care of himself, if he has to. I was rather surprised to hear that. Just shows to go you what publicity can do.
Well sweet and lovely, where are you going to spend your summer vacation this year and when will it be? My first vacation idea is still unchanged namely, to pile the old rod in the back of the car along with my plugs and reels and head for the Peace Bridge, Canada, and Muskoka. Complete rest away from the cares of the world. Nothing to do but lie around, eat when I feel like it, sleep a bit, and reel in a pickerel or bass once in awhile. Of course, it would be nice if a certain young lady was around to keep me company - fact 'twould be perfect. I'm expecting to hear any day from my mother that dad is up there on his annual fishing spree. I don't actually expect to get much fishing done if you're anywhere near though hon, and it wouldn't bother me at all or rather won't. Good-nite little one, my dreams will all be of you!
Another sunny day is here. Everything smells so fresh and clean outside. I stuck my head out of the window by my bed and inhaled for about a half hour. There seems to be a scent of lilacs in the air yet I can't see any lilac bushes.
The guys are all gathered round the radio to hear about the point system of release for the U.S. Army. They're going to announce the value of points for length of service, overseas service, decorations & dependents. About the only ones who will be affected are those in the original draft back in 41 and the older men with children. Fortunately, the present system is only intended for use now Germany has fallen. It won't necessarily apply after Japan's defeat.
We're going to have a movie shown in the ward again this afternoon. Hope it's better than the last one. I told you about they're playing The Music Stopped But We Kept On Dancing on the radio. Dancing with you will be just like in that song. Do you remember the words?
Well hon, for now this is all. I'll be with you again this evening. Don't work too hard and once again, take good care of yourself for me - the ordinary guy with the extraordinary love for you.
All my love,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-09
Title
A name given to the resource
May 9, 1945, #2
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 9, 1945
Dearest Gerrie,
It's a very quiet, peaceful evening here hon with the sun still shining at eight o'clock. With you I could enjoy it - without you it's just another evening, the same as every day is just another day. This isn't meant to be a dismal thought little one, merely a reiteration of the fact that life away from you is very incomplete and that I am looking forward - you'll never know how much - to the day when we're together again, never more to part. How I do love you my darling!
Kinda looks like this will be strictly a love letter. Wish I was better at it, but couldn't be more sincere.
Interruption - We just listened to a speech by the king. I wonder if you weren't listening to it over there too.
You know hon, the more I think of that scrapbook idea, the better I like it. That will be the best way to recall, in later years, the good times we have yet to have during our engagement and then in our married life. Imagine remembering thirty years from now how I proposed to you. We should really get a kick out of such a treasury of memories. What I want to do is get started. Hope it won't be too long before we're able to.
Here it is the day after V-E. Already it seems like part of the past.
I got sidetracked on this letter last nite honey - the guys started a game of casino on my bed so there wasn't much chance to write. Incidentally, I won the game. Later, we lay in our beds talking about plans for the future and even how we met our wives and girl friends. That sounds a little funny the way I put it - I meant just one woman for each man. Charlie, in the next bed, has a twin brother. His wife mistook him for this brother and that's how he first got acquainted with her. You'd be surprised how these guys got engaged. Not one had the typical movie setting of moonlight and music. Bob Barton, the lively fellow, proposed while downtown shopping, Charlie was helping his then girlfriend wash the dishes, etc, etc. It seems that the story book idea rarely is followed in real life. I'm glad that I didn't wait either hon.
Now take it easy, don't worry and please take good care of yourself for me. A hi to your mom. I love you. All my love always,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-09
Title
A name given to the resource
May 9, 1945, #1
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 8, 1945
VE Day
Dearest Geraldine,
My little morale builder. Thank you for the nice letter I received this afternoon. You always make me feel good hon - hope my letters cheer you up a bit too. Don't worry about missing noites writing to me, for I realise you have more to do than I have, here in bed. Just write as often as you can.
This of course is VE day. The announcement, yesterday, of Germany's surrender didn't cause much excitement here, partly because we've been expecting it and partly because we know it isn't over for us yet. However, it was happy news and brings the end that much closer, for which we are very thankful.
Now I have a bone to pick with you honey. In your letter you say, "My morale will never go down again, I promise you. There is only one little thing." This little thing is what I want to pick the bone with you about because you don't tell me what it is that makes you feel bad. Damn hon, you should be able to tell me! When you worry, I worry, so come clean unless it's too personal. Frankie tells me her troubles, now why don't you? Don't mind me little one, I won't mind if you don't tell me, but I wish you would at least when I'm with you again. If anyone's been bothering you there'll be a new patient admitted to the hospital when I get there.
I think I'll have to give your mom a big hug when I get back. It's swell that she feel like she does about us. That means a lot, for I know how a reverse opinion would be. My folks were against my sister's marriage & it caused much unhappiness on both sides. I know it would worry you if she felt otherwise, so three cheers for mom! and my thanks! I know she has a very wonderful daughter in fact, there's only one of her in this world and this Joe is devoting his life to make her happy, if he can.
That's a good idea you have hon, about wishing you could be walking down a nice lane some place and have me come along. It sure would be perfect, just the two of us. I'll meet you anywhere you say little one - if you know such a place. I could call you when I arrive & then we could both head for it. Regardless of where we meet hon, you'll find yourself getting the biggest hug and kiss you ever had - audience or not. Don't forget, I'll probably need some support myself, so don't shake too much, please. As for what you should wear, you'll look good to me in anything - you always did, always will. You know, you have a way of wearing clothes which few women possess.
I like the idea of a scrapbook of us. Let me know when you get it started. It should be a very interesting book alright. We'll make sure it's pages contain a happy story too. Where are you going to start from hon - our engagement or before?
Forget about competition from anyone Gerrie. It will be they more than you who will have competition. You come first with me.
Now hon, although I hope we don't have to wait another year to see each other. I'll send your thought right back to you - as long as it's you even ten yrs. wouldn't be too long to wait. Take good care of yourself darling please, and know that I am
Always, with all my love,
Your
Johnny
P.S. I had the same idea about a mustache - that you'd feel that way.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-08
Title
A name given to the resource
May 8, 1945
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 6, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Here I am again hon. I probably won't get far for the next half hour because Jack Benny's program has just come on the radio. It will be nice when I can spend evenings such as this one, with you. I'd like to be walking along a shaded path or by the lake now. Evening is a beautiful time out in the country, everything becomes hushed as the light changes to dusk, then to darkness. Remember how it was in Muskoka. I think we'll have to go there for our honeymoon, if it pleases you little one. That is an ideal place for such a special occasion - don't you agree? We'll have lots of time to talk this over, I know, but I like to talk about it now.
I've had a little interruption hon, a couple of fellows from the train came in to see me and brought a whole pie. We'll knock it off after lights out. The cooking on the train was the closest to home cooking I've had in the army.
Next day - After lights out last nite, five of us finished off the pie. It [was] apple and very delicious. We ate it while listening to Guy Lombardo. He played one of my favourite tunes 'Let's Take the Long Way Home.'
It's a damp, chilly day here today. The nurse is going to wash my mop of hair this afternoon so I'll have to see that I don't get a cold and have extra time added onto my stay here. It really needs a good washing and I expect it will feel and look much better after.
Here's something for you to think about little one. Which do you prefer, a gold or silver ring? You should pretty well know what you want after seeing so many on your friends.
Apparently this is going to be a short letter as the nurse is getting ready to go to work on me so I'll sign off now, hoping you are well. Don't work too hard!
All my love,
Always,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-06
Title
A name given to the resource
May 6, 1945, #2
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 6, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Well hon, how are you to-day - fine I hope. It's been a very dreary scene through the windows to-day, rain and more rain. There's been sunshine here by my bed though - your sweet smile in the two snaps I have on my bedside table produced it. No foolin'!
With a little luck, I should get out of here in a couple of weeks now. I may miss a couple of days writing then, little one, but it won't be because I'm off the beam - just that I can't get the time for no doubt I'll be pretty busy getting things straightened out again.
We have a young married fellow in here who is more fun than a picnic. He keeps us and the nurses laughing most of the time. Last night, he was telling me about his courtship; he sure had some time! He's twenty-five now and has been married three years, less than six months of which he has been with his wife. He has about twenty-six months overseas and over four years in the army, yet he's one of the happiest guys I ever saw. Most fellows who have been in that long are just about dragging around, which just proves that there is no need for going around with a long face like some guys do. He says when he gets home he's going to have lots of fun, but only with his wife - the two of them to-gether. I think the couples who have stayed to-gether through all this separation will find that it has payed dividends in a happier life. A guy that's been in the army will really appreciate home when he gets there & after all the orders he's taken, a few from the wife won't trouble him at all.
Interesting letter so far isn't it. I'll see if I can do a little better. I seem to fo best when I talk about us, perhaps because it's my favourite subject.
I haven't been writing for the last fifteen minutes hon, I've been thinking of you - how you'll look and what we'll do when we first meet. Bob Barton, the fellow who cheers me up, told me what happened to him when he got home after sixteen months in Africa. He says you're going to cry and laugh at the same time and neither of us will be able to say a word for awhile - just stay in each others arms. How right do you think he is? He's willing to bet his last buck that this will happen, as it happened to him. He said he was so happy he couldn't say a word. I believe that it will happen just about that way.
Good morning honey! You see I always write your letters over two days. I start in the evening, sleep on it and then finish up the next morning. I should say I always do this, but generally that is the case. You still get one a day and I can think of more to say.
We just finished listening to a half hour church program from a little town in Texas. The first Sunday I'm back I want to go to church with you so I can give thanks for being home, and for you hon. Maybe we can have communion too. If it's a nice day we can go on a picnic in the afternoon and spend the whole day to-gether. Is it a date little one? Some guy on the radio just sang 'You're So Sweet To Remember'. That song title fits you to a tee. It's a good job you don't know all the fellows in here or I would have a tough job getting the time to see you.
That new outfit you have sounds terrific - the pink one with black figure pattern is what I'm talking about. I'll bet you look like a regular glamour girl in it. I hope you don't dress up too much to meet me hon, because I'd rather see you that time more as I remember you. We GI's aren't used to glamour after being over here so long. There's been no glamour in what we've seen so we'll have to get used to that gradually. This is only a suggestion - all the guys feel the same way. It seems to me I read an article by Dottie Dix on this subject so you probably already know about it.
Well hon, no doubt I've held forth long enough for one letter so a fond adieu is coming your way. Don't work too hard and take good care of yourself.
All my love,
Always,
Your
Johnny
P.S. How old is Margaret? The nurses judged her for between 30 & 40. No offence, I hope, but I cut her off snap you sent.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-06
Title
A name given to the resource
May 6, 1945, #1
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 4, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Well hon, here I am again - on my tenth week now. Everything is about the same so I'm just going to write about the future & us. What better subject is there anyway?
I received two more letters from you to-day, one written April 8, the other on the 29th. There's just no figuring the mail situation is there. To date, I received forty letters from you while here. I'll never be able to thank you for thinking of me so much hon and being such a wonderful girl. I'll just have to do my best to make you as happy as I want you to be - O.K.
I don't know on what subject to start this epistle, there are so many things we have to talk about now we're engaged. You know hon, I feel different somehow. I guess it's because I really have someone to fight for and look forward to being with. A free lance guy has no responsibilities, just himself - now I have you to think about. It's a good feeling too, believe me. One of the first things we'll have to do is get a ring on that finger of yours, providing you'll move that birthstone ring over. How about it? I can hardly wait for the chance, little one. I believe we're going to have more fun to-gether than most couples because we've had to wait so long and besides, I also believe we were meant for each other. The ups and downs we're had and still come out on top.
You'll find living in Buffalo much different from Sarn. I think you'll like it. This is a little premature perhaps in point of time, but that's where your new home will be so we may as well talk about it. There are many more things to do, of course. What will we do? Well we can go to any of the shows anytime of course. Then there are roller rinks, note clubs, hockey games, and the big college football games in the fall, etc. etc. I think you'll enjoy some of the performances which come to the auditoriums. Sonja Henie generally shows up with that Ice Show of hers to mention just one thing. A half hour drive to the Canadian Lake shore brings us to Crystal Beach, a huge amusement park. It can also be reached by boat from Buffalo. I'm looking forward to taking you on the Cyclone, a giant roller coaster - the largest in the world. We'll have to take the boat trip to Detroit. I understand D & C is building a new liner for this run. I made the trip with another fellow in the summer of 43. How I wished you were along. It was beautiful out on deck with all the stars overhead and only the lights of distant ships breaking the darkness. We spent most of the time down at the bar, however, you and I will spend the time alone together on deck. Gee, there are so many things we'll be able to do that I could fill this whole pad. The main point though will be that you are with me. I'll bet you never watched a logrolling contest - you will at the Sportsman's Show and lots more. Had enough for one nite hon!
I'm going to have to call it quite as it's about the time when they 'tuck' us in bed. I'll continue with another letter to-morrow hon. Until then I'll be dreaming of you sweetheart and loving you, as always, very, very much. Take good care of yourself dear and don't work too hard.
All my love to you hon,
Always,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-04
Title
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May 4, 1945
-
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Title
A name given to the resource
Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 3, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
I received your letter of the 27th to-day, the one I've been waiting for. It came in five days which is something of a record for air mail.
You know hon, it's hard for me to put in words how I feel - happy hardly does it justice. You've paid me the highest compliment I ever received, little one, in wanting to chart your course with mine. I won't say anything further about this as I don't feel I can do it justice on paper. I'll save it for when I'm with you and can do the job right.
I guess I'm about the luckiest Joe in this man's army. It would be swell to be to-gether now alright but when we are now if you feel like using my shoulder for a few minutes myself. Boy, that first nite we have will be one I'll never forget.
I was sorry to hear the trouble you have when going swimming. The girl across the street from us back home has the same or a similar thing. I know she uses cream for washing her face and only goes to work about half the time.
I guess you know I was only kidding you about the pajamas. In my mind they look much neater, not to mention comfort, so stick to your guns by all means.
I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but I intended to mention the following - on the nite or day when I finally arrive, if you'll wear the outfit you have on in the snap you sent taken on the beach with Maggie (I'll bet she loves that name!!) it will suit me fine. In case you don't remember, it's a white blouse and a dark skirt - perhaps the skirt to your new green outfit. You can certainly wear those outfits well, in fact you look good in anything. I have a snap of you in pajamas too - I'll bet you don't remember sending it to me. Very nice!
Enclosed clipping thought you might like to see of your future home town. Tall building is city hall. Main downtown shopping section is in direction from which picture was taken. Arrow shows direction - north - in which we live - approximately six miles out, but still in town. I hope to live a little further out in what is known as Kenmore. I'll tell you more about the old town from time to time if you'd like to hear it. Let me know.
I know something you're going to like, namely, Niagara Falls. I don't mean just the falls, but the parks around there. On both the Canuck & American side the parkways extend several miles. No movie ever portrayed a more romantic setting than this on a warm, moonlit June nite, believe me. Like the song you can almost see 'Love in Bloom'. Paths wind in and out among the trees and bushed with the silver ribbon of the Niagara far below in the gorge. (Fancy sentence, aye what!) True though. There are secluded benches overlooking this scene and if you want to, you can walk right down into the gorge by the river. The sound of the water adds the finishing touch. It's really a beautiful scene hon, with you there, it will be complete.
Now dear, I'll regretfully close for this evening. Let's hope soon the time will come when we have no more closings or farewells. Loving you more each day, if possible, and hoping you are taking good care of yourself, I remain,
With all my love,
Always, your
Johnny
P.S. Enclosed also last snap I had taken with the fellows.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
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Creator
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John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-03
Title
A name given to the resource
May 3, 1945
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Dublin Core
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Title
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Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 2, 1945
Dearest Geraldine,
Well hon, yesterday they moved me out of my private room to the open ward - a sign that I'm almost O.K. again. I like it much better here for there are guys to talk to and the radio to listen to. Back in the room I could barely hear the radio.
We listened to the Hit Parade last nite. Old Lawrence Tibbit or however you spell it sang 'Don't Fence Me In'. I felt like throwing a brick at the radio! Even my sister could have sung it better and that's saying something. If he ever gets his contract to sing renewed I'll be very surprised. No wonder I've changed from Lucky Strikes to Chesterfields.
The Bob Hope show comes on at eight bells or twenty hundred hours to use army language. I'm looking forward to a few laughs.
Say hon, have you heard 'Let's Take the Long Way Home'? No doubt you have - how do you like it? I consider it one of the nicest songs ever written. Bing can really 'send you' with that as the bobby soxers would say.
I received three of your V-mail type letters yesterday. The come in the same length of time which regular air mail does - that is about eight days. In case you didn't know, you save an average of almost two hundred words in one of those. I've been writing our V-mails home and received a letter from the mater saying she was looking for a regular letter. You really can't write much on ours.
It's a rainy evening here, almost cold enough to snow. We had a movie in the ward this afternoon. I would have enjoyed listening to the radio more for it was a very old picture. The first time it was released was way back in 36 before we even met. I won't say what my opinion was because I do enough cussin as it is.
Did you give your O.K. to Alice's boyfriend? I certainly agree with you that she should know her own mind without having to ask others. No doubt she'll do what she wants to regardless of what anyone tells her anyway, but it seems to me, that tends to show that she isn't sure of herself. I never had to ask anyone about you hon - I was sure of myself or wouldn't have asked you. Still I always consider that a special case for a guy just couldn't help loving you - just because you're you. Guess you'll have to read between the lines on that one.
We have a major who is a patient in here. Last nite, he was showing me some card tricks. I learned a couple for the day when I'll be back and can mystify you. He was very good at them. We have another fellow in here who is quite a wizard too.
Enclosed is snap which the fellows brought over from train to-day. Now hon, I'll love you and leave you until to-morrow. Take good care of yourself and don't work too hard. Loving you always, I remain
With all my love,
Your
Johnny
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
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Creator
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John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-02
Title
A name given to the resource
May 2, 1945
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Dublin Core
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Title
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Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 16, 1945
6:30 PM
Diary of trip from Avonmouth - New York City on HMS Atlantis.
Dearest Gerrie,
Here I am on my way. We left the hospital early this morning and came by hospital train here to the boat. It's a limey hospital ship, however, despite this it's quite nice. Yanks don't like British ships because the food isn't as good as we're used to. I'd be satisfied with an outboard motor boat. To get back on the subject, this is a fair sized passenger ship. I'm in a ward on B deck. Everything is neat & clean with a few bouquets of flowers here and there. There are three rows of single beds running the length of the ward. This is some different from our accommodations coming over when the beds were just canvas stretched on a steel frame and these were stacked five high. There's plenty of light and air in here so I think I'll be able to combat sea-sickness. I hope.
7 P.M.
17th
We left about noon to-day. It's cloudy but clear. Struck open sea around five o'clock - already beginning to pitch a bit. The fellow in the bed next to me is feeling slightly bad already. I'm OK so far. Food passable. Most of the guys are hungry. Getting foggy.
18th
To-day is fair. Last nite you could almost cut the fog with an axe. Travelled at reduced speed with siren sounding continuously. Smooth sailing.
19th
Cloudy. We're bucking a heavy swell to-day and the ship is creaking all over. Wish they'd put wings on this tub and land us in New York to-nite. Announced over speaker system to tie everything down as it's going to be a very rough night. The sister is already administering balm for sorely troubled stomachs. Hope I won't need any.
Sun
20th
We really had a rough night Gerrie. The ship did about everything but stand on end. Yours truly is a little dizzy - otherwise alright. Very thankful I'm not in the navy. Looks like we'll have another rough night. Can't say more.
21st
It's very calm to-day and warm. I have an idea we're in the Gulf Stream. Spent most of the day playing cards with another guy on my bed. Read a little.
22nd
Beautiful day. This afternoon went on deck in a wheelchair. Sat at very stern of ship - sea calm as a mill pond. Very warm as we're on very southern route.
23rd
Still clear, sunny, sea calm. Went via wheelchair and elevator to movie in the lounge. Frank Sinatra in Higher & Higher. Didn't think much of picture, admired Michel Morgan's shape. To-night there is a warm breeze coming through the ports. Moon almost full - throws a silver path over the almost placid sea. Quite romantic! Dark here shortly after eight o'clock. Remember in the U.K. it was light until ten-thirty when we left.
24th
Another beautiful day. Spent part of afternoon on deck again. Was dark before eight o'clock to-night. Clear moon shining in cloudless sky, same silver path across the dark waters, same romantic setting but no romance. A shame I calls it!
25th
Ditto on the day. Lay around reading mostly. Thought ocean was calm before but to-day beat all - it was like a film of oil. Slight breeze to-night, very warm. We're near Bermuda. They're taking a long southern route thinking the cruise in warm weather will do us good - so the sister tells us. Those who can walk are acquiring a nice tan up on deck. Must be close to 100° right now. Dark at 7:30 P.M.
26th
Uneventful, same as above applies. About two hundred miles from Bermuda now. Will pass below southern tip in morning, then follow coast north. Too warm for comfort.
Sun
27th
Spent morning reading on deck. Slight chop on sea. Saw movie 'Lost in a Harem' with Abbott & Costello this afternoon. Wonderful weather - blue sky and sunny. Will here acknowledge that this trip - so unlike our voyage over - has changed my mind about your trip to England. I'm enjoying this trip even though I can only get around in wheelchair. Sure you would get the thrill of your life going over on a regular passenger ship and now I'm away from the U.K. will confess it was very picturesque country with many extremely interesting things to see. Seeing other lands and the way the people live, broadens your outlook on life, not to mention the thrill you get from seeing all these strange places you've seen before in pictures and the movies. So, I heartily endorse your plan as the best possible thing you could do. Long live the king - amen!
28th
Blue skies again. Spent morning reading on deck in chair - fact read all day. No moon to-night - plenty of stars. Invigorating breeze coming through ports. Very nice after sultry heat of the last few days. Light until 8:15 P.M. now.
29th
Rain this morning clearing before noon. Afternoon, blue skies and sunshine. Very cool breeze now. We anchor outside harbor of New York around nine o'clock to-night, proceeding in to unload in the morning. Time 5 P.M. More later We're in! 9 P.M. Can't describe the feeling, can't attempt to but it's the most wonderful one imaginable.
30th
Disembarked at nine this morning but not before a boatload of Wacs & just plain curvesome cuties came aboard to welcome us with cigs, candy, magazines, papers and a big - well I guess I can leave that part out. Now at Hallorhan Gen. Hosp. on Staten Island for a stay of not more than five days. We're being treated more or less like kings.
Well that's that, I'm home again - for awhile anyhow - and very thankful indeed. Hard to believe I'm really here. Only one thing keeps everything from being the completion of a dream or is a fly in the ointment or whatever you want to call it - that is something the Major told me just before I left Eng and it will affect both of us I'm afraid. I won't go into detail now because I want to find out first what the MD at the new hosp. I'm going to will have to say. Perhaps Maj. Strong was wrong I hope. Don't mention this to anyone Gerrie, as you're the only one who knows and I don't want it to get around. Wouldn't tell you only I figure you have a right to know.
I hope you've been looking after yourself while I've been on my way. I thought about you often on the trip over - did your nose itch? Take care of yourself.
All my love,
Johnny
P.S. Arrived here to-day. Couldn't mail letter before for lack of a stamp. O.K. to write to this address. More later.
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Creator
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John C. Waller
Date
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1945-05-16
Title
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May 16, 1945
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Dublin Core
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Title
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Letters from 1945
Letter
Text
Any textual data included in the document
May 12, 1945
Saturday Eve
Dearest Gerrie,
I received to-day, my second letter from you this week. Thanks little one for the two enclosed snaps. Perhaps you've forgotten about them as the letter was written on April 3rd. One is taken with Marge, leaning against a cement wall on the beach; the other is with Marjorie - the two of you on bikes - remember now?
I can see by this picture that the nurses and the rest of us misjudged Margaret's age. I apologize, but that other snap was very misleading. Of the two I prefer your friend Marjorie. You just had a birthday party for her recently as I recall. She looks like a very nice young lady.
You ask for criticism of the two snaps you enclosed. There's not much I can say. You look your usual pretty self, Margaret is in focus and Marj looks O.K. too. If I had taken the pictures - ahem - the one with you & Marge would have been taken holding the camera vertically and closer to the subjects. Also I don't like shots from directly in front all the time and forcing a smile is strictly out! The same applies to the other snap, although I couldn't judge it very well, cut off at your waists like it was. That beats me hon - you girls must have ridden those bikes all through town, so any Tom, Dick, or Harry could see you, yet you are too modest to send a view of yourself - which all these other guys have seen - to me, intact. I can't figure it out. It just occurred to me that maybe you aren't on bikes, but even so that doesn't make much different. Come clean little one. P.S. I think you look as sweet as ever. Oh yes, the nurse says you look very pretty and very happy - (you & Marjorie on bikes)
Well, this will be a short letter to-nite Gerrie for there is no news. I passed the day working on a small snapshot album for the Red Cross girl. They are having a display in London, of things made by patients in hospitals, later it will be permanently put up in Washington, D.C. I'm not much in the mood for the job, however, I figure that I owe her something for all the material she has supplied me for making the items you know about. I expect to have it completed to-morrow. Your little change purse is still not done. All it lacks is a lining. This, I haven't been able to obtain so far. I hope soon I'll be able to complete it.
It's a beautiful evening here again. It's so long since I left the U.S. that it's hard to visualise how an evening there would be. I envy the fellows back home who can walk, talk and dance with all you pretty girls.
Now hon, I will conclude for this evening, hoping you are well and taking good care of yourself for me. Say hello to your mom for me.
Living for the moments I'll be spending hon, with you, I remain always,
With all my love,
Your
Johnny
P.S. Hope you don't think I was angry about the cut-off snap. I was just teasing you a bit, little one. Love you.
APO
The number of the Army Post Office from which Johnny sent a letter
121
121
Location
The location of the interview
Malvern
Dublin Core
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Creator
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John C. Waller
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-12
Title
A name given to the resource
May 12, 1945